Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: music industry

  • Tiwa Savage Declares Continued Love for Wizkid in Viral Video

    Tiwa Savage Declares Continued Love for Wizkid in Viral Video

    In a post shared by Legit.ng, Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has once again set the internet ablaze with a viral video where she candidly discusses her relationship with Wizkid. During a recent interview, the “Water and Garri” actress admitted that she is “still in love” with her long-time collaborator, though the context suggested a deep, platonic, and professional bond rather than a romantic one.

    The duo, famously dubbed “TiwaZkid” by fans during their “Fever” video era, have been a source of speculation for years. This latest clip has reignited “ship” rumors on TikTok, where fans are editing nostalgic videos of the two performing together. Tiwa’s comments come at a time when both artists are focusing on their international careers and individual growth.

    Wizkid, who has been relatively quiet on social media recently, has not yet responded to the clip. However, the chemistry between the two has always been a major talking point in Nigerian pop culture, with their collaboration “Ma Lo” still considered a modern classic in the Afrobeats genre.

    The video has led to a wider discussion about the “Big 3” and their female counterparts, highlighting how Tiwa Savage remains a central figure in the narrative of Nigerian music royalty. Whether this leads to a new musical collaboration remains to be seen, but the “TiwaZkid” brand is clearly still as strong as ever.

    * Legit.ng (Entertainment): ““I am still in love with Wizkid”: Tiwa Savage opens up about colleague in viral video.”

    * Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET): “Tiwa Savage reflects on her bond with Wizkid, calling it a love that transcends music.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Tiwa Savage knows exactly how to keep her name in the headlines. Whether the “love” is romantic or professional, mentioning Wizkid is a guaranteed viral moment. This “revelation” serves to remind the public of their era of dominance, and it could be a strategic move to build hype for a potential reunion track in 2026.

    Source: Facebook — https://web.facebook.com/groups/235978139062728/posts/890331816960687/?_rdc=1&_rdr# February 8, 2026

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • Snoop Dogg Mourns the Tragic Loss of 10-Month-Old Granddaughter

    Snoop Dogg Mourns the Tragic Loss of 10-Month-Old Granddaughter

    A TikTok video by @enews and reporting by Punch Newspapers confirm the heartbreaking passing of Snoop Dogg’s granddaughter, Codi, who was only ten months old. The family has shared their grief publicly, requesting privacy during this difficult time as they navigate the loss of the young infant.

    The Hip-Hop mogul and his family have received an outpouring of support from the global music community, including many Nigerian artists who have collaborated with Snoop over the years. Details regarding the cause of death have not been fully disclosed, as the Broadus family focuses on mourning.

    Snoop Dogg, a central figure in US Hip-Hop culture, has often shared glimpses of his life as a grandfather on social media, making this news particularly poignant for his millions of followers. The tragedy has cast a somber mood over the “History to Hip Hop” celebrations currently taking place in the US for Black History Month.

    Tributes have flooded in from peers like Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, and various Afrobeats stars, highlighting Snoop’s influence and the respect he commands across international borders. The family has asked for prayers instead of flowers as they prepare for private funeral arrangements.

    * Punch Newspapers (Official Website): “Snoop Dogg’s granddaughter, Codi, has tragically passed away at ten months old.”

    * TheCable (Official Website): “Snoop Dogg’s granddaughter dies at ten months… family is in mourning.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Snoop Dogg has successfully transitioned from a “gangsta rapper” to a beloved “global uncle.” Seeing him deal with such a personal tragedy humanizes a larger-than-life figure. In the fast-paced world of celebrity gossip, this serves as a sobering reminder of the real lives behind the headlines. Expect a temporary social media hiatus from the rapper as he supports his son.

    Source: Vanguard — vanguardngr.com/2026/02/snoop-dogg-mourns-tragic-loss-of-10-month-old-granddaughter/ February 1, 2026

    Photo Credit:  Vanguard

     

  • Nigerian Music Giants Lead Global Charge at 2026 Grammy Awards

    Nigerian Music Giants Lead Global Charge at 2026 Grammy Awards

     

    Reporting by The Guardian indicates that the 68th Grammy Awards, taking place this Sunday, February 1st, 2026, features a record number of Nigerian nominees, highlighting the country’s continued dominance in the global entertainment industry. Leading the pack is Burna Boy with two nominations, while Davido, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid also vie for major prizes in the Global Music categories.

    In an update published by ThisDay, the significance of these nominations is described as a “cultural export triumph” for Nigeria. The publication notes that the inclusion of younger artists like Omah Lay alongside veterans shows the depth of the Afrobeats genre. “Nigerian music is no longer a sub-genre; it is the global standard for pop culture in 2026,” an industry critic told the newspaper.

    According to Daily Post, fans across Lagos and Abuja have organized viewing parties to celebrate what many expect to be a historic night for African music. The outlet quoted a music producer who noted: “Winning or not, having five of our own on that stage simultaneously proves that the ‘Afrobeats to the World’ movement has reached its zenith.”

    Echotitbits take: Entertainment is one of Nigeria’s most successful “soft power” exports. Beyond the glamour, these nominations represent significant foreign exchange earnings and tourism potential. Watch how the government leverages this global visibility to boost the “Creative Economy” ministry’s initiatives.

    Source: Channels TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/31/nigeria-dominates-68th-grammy-africa-nominations-with-five-superstars-eyeing-major-wins/, February 1, 2026

    Photo credit: Channels TV

  • Wizkid Crosses 10 Billion Spotify Streams, Extending Afrobeats’ Global Run

    Wizkid Crosses 10 Billion Spotify Streams, Extending Afrobeats’ Global Run

    In an update published by The Guardian, Wizkid reportedly became the first African artiste to surpass 10 billion Spotify streams across all credits, reinforcing Afrobeats’ expanding global footprint.

    The milestone reflects catalog strength and the power of collaborations that pull African music into wider streaming ecosystems.

    It also boosts leverage for touring, brand partnerships, and label negotiations as streaming metrics increasingly shape market value.

    The Nation also reported “10billion Spotify streams,” while Vanguard similarly described him as the first African artiste to pass the 10-billion threshold.

    Echotitbits take: Watch the next strategic move—new releases and touring. Streaming dominance often precedes a major global tour cycle.

    Source: AfrobeatsMag — https://afrobeatsmagazine.com/wizkid-becomes-first-afrobeats-artist-to-reach-10-billion-spotify-streams/ January 10, 2026

    AfrobeatsMag 2026-01-10

    Photo Credit: AfrobeatsMag

  • Lagos Welcomes Stars as 9th AFRIMA Kicks Off With Music, Culture and Business Talks

    Lagos Welcomes Stars as 9th AFRIMA Kicks Off With Music, Culture and Business Talks

    Reporting from The Nation indicates Lagos has begun hosting the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), with multiple leading artistes arriving for a week of performances, tours and industry sessions.

    Organisers say beyond the awards, the festival is designed to strengthen Africa’s music business ecosystem, including discussions around intellectual property and fair royalties.

    Lagos State officials are also positioning the event as a tourism and creative-economy showcase for the city.

    **Echotitbits take:** AFRIMA is major soft power for Nigeria’s creative industry. Watch for policy conversations around rights management—because global popularity won’t translate to wealth for artistes without stronger, enforceable structures.
    Source: Tribune – https://tribuneonlineng.com/lagos-hosts-9th-afrima-as-16-african-artistes-headline-week-long-event/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: Tribune

  • NBA YoungBoy Avoids Charges in Utah Drug Bust Case

    NBA YoungBoy Avoids Charges in Utah Drug Bust Case

    According to iHeartRadio’s WGCI-FM, American rapper NBA YoungBoy has successfully avoided new charges following a high-profile drug bust at his Utah residence. Legal representatives for the rapper confirmed that authorities did not find sufficient evidence to link him directly to the substances discovered.

    The rapper, who has been under strict house arrest conditions, was facing potential jail time that could have derailed his prolific music career. The news of his clearance has been met with celebration from his loyal ‘Never Broke Again’ fanbase, who have been trending #FreeYB.

    Despite this win, the rapper remains under close federal supervision. Legal experts suggest that while he avoided these specific charges, his past legal history ensures he will continue to be a focal point for law enforcement.

    Further verification from HipHopDX states: ‘NBA YoungBoy avoids charges in the Utah drug bust, allowing him to focus on his upcoming musical releases.’ Complex also noted the development, quoting his attorney: ‘We are pleased with the outcome and remain committed to protecting our client’s rights.’

    Echotitbits take: NBA YoungBoy is the ‘Houdini’ of Hip-Hop legal battles. This clearance is a huge relief for his label and streaming partners, as he remains one of the most-consumed artists in the digital space.

    Source: Iheart  – https://www.iheart.com/content/2026-01-01-nba-youngboy-avoids-charges-in-utah-drug-bust/ January 2, 2026
    Photo Credit: Iheart

  • Beyoncé reportedly reaches billionaire status as touring and ventures surge

    Beyoncé reportedly reaches billionaire status as touring and ventures surge

    Photo Credit: People

    2025-12-29

    As reported by People, Beyoncé has officially reached billionaire status as of December 2025, with tours and business ventures powering the milestone.

    Her recent run—major stadium receipts, high-value brand deals, and consumer product expansions—has strengthened the “artist-as-enterprise” model at the very top of global pop.

    The headline also reopens the conversation about widening revenue gaps between superstar economies and the rest of the industry.

    Verification

    • Elle (Website): “joining a select group of musicians… who have reached this milestone.”
    • Houston Chronicle (Website): “according to Forbes…” (noting she became the “fifth musician” to hit billionaire status).

    Echotitbits take: This is not just a celebrity flex—it’s a case study in ownership, touring leverage, and diversified product strategy. Watch for how it shapes her next rollout and how other A-listers restructure catalog and touring deals to chase similar outcomes.

    Source: People — December 29, 2025 — https://people.com/all-about-beyonce-net-worth-music-tours-businesses-11876853

    People
    2025-12-29

  • YouTube exits Billboard chart data pipeline—music industry braces for ranking shake-up

    YouTube exits Billboard chart data pipeline—music industry braces for ranking shake-up

    The Express Tribune

    2025-12-19 13:00:00
    Rolling Stone reports that YouTube will stop supplying certain data used for Billboard charts, a move that could shift how hits are measured—especially for video-first fandoms.

    The decision is being framed as a methodology moment for labels and artists who optimize release strategies around chart math, streaming optics, and platform behavior.

    – YouTube (Official blog/platform statement): “We’re making a change… [to] our music charts participation…”
    – Billboard (Industry outlet): “YouTube will no longer submit data…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Expect short-term confusion—and long-term gaming. Artists (including Afrobeats acts chasing global charts) may rebalance promo: more DSP-first pushes, fewer video-only spikes, and heavier emphasis on verified streams. Watch for Billboard’s next methodology note.

    Source: Rolling Stone — 19 Dec 2025 — https://tribune.com.pk/story/2582820/youtube-to-stop-submitting-us-streaming-data-to-billboard-charts-in-2026

    Photo Credit: The Express Tribune

    2025-12-19